Germany's next Topdebater

There is a recent proliferation of casting shows like America's Next Topmodel, X-Factor, Jamie's Kitchen, or Popstars. They all have in common that some jury is eying up the participants and sending home those that don't manage to meet some random and fuzzy set of criteria. Now that's a striking similarity to what's happening in debating, so it's high time for the first real debater casting show!

Sensing wealth and fame, BDU would like to place a copyright on the concept for such a show. Put together a bunch of people with huge egos and a desire to hear themselves talk. Set them up in a shared flat with unlimited subscription to the Economist and, ideally, lots of alcohol. Each week, let them compete in ridiculous contests like delivering speeches hanging head down from Tower Bridge or arguing to an elder auditorium that abolishing their pension is a good idea. And of course: let them debate. The jury decides who to send packing. The show then consists of bloopers, crushing arguments and bitch-fights among these people who always think they're right. The winner gets an honorary membership at BDU or a weekend with Obama, her choice. It will be awesome!

Internal Challenge - first round results

The first round of our internal competition about the spots at the "Norddeutsche Meisterschaft" took place at March 30th. Due to our complex system, the following teams challenged each other:

• Opening Gov: Matthias & Niels
• Opening Opp: Georg & Joahnnes
• Closing Gov: Kai & Julian
• Closing Opp: John & Nikolay

The motion was: "THW force the catholic church to dismiss priest convicted of sexual abuse from priesthood"

The round was won by OG, second place went to CG, OO came 3rd and CO came 4th.

Today, the last two rounds of this challenge will take place, this blog will inform you immediately!

Internal Challenge !Update!

The Berlin Debating Union, one of Germany's finest debating societies, has established a rather complex internal ranking system to measure the competitiveness of its teams. Teams hoping to participate at the 'Norddeutsche Meisterschaften', the major regional competition, have to collect points during the term or during a period in which they can directly challenge other BDU teams. Currently, I know of the following applicants and their points (team points):

• Dessi and Filip - 112
• Matthias and Niels - 70
• Bastian and Juliane - 70
• Johannes and Georg - 64
• Kai and Julian - 63
• John and Nikolay - 38
• Annette and Ricarda - 10
  

If I forgot someone, please leave a comment!
It's likely that we will only get two spots, so it will be a tough race...